Historical highlights of the development of total parenteral nutrition.

The events and discoveries thought to be the most significant prerequisites to the development of total parenteral nutrition (TPN) dating back to the early 17th century are chronicled. A more detailed description and discussion of the subsequent early modern highlights of the basic and clinical research beginning in the mid-20th century and the advances culminating in the first demonstration of the feasibility and practicality of TPN, and its successful, safe and efficacious applications clinically, are presented. Some of the reasoning, insights, and philosophy of a pioneer clinician-scientist in the field are shared with readers.